The African yellow warbler, also known as Natal yellow warbler, dark-capped yellow warbler or yellow flycatcher-warbler, is a species of Acrocephalidae warblers; formerly, these were placed in the paraphyletic "Old World warblers".
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa (eastern and southern)
Typical Environment
Occurs from Kenya and Uganda south through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and into northeastern South Africa, Eswatini, and adjacent regions; also locally in Angola and the Caprivi of Namibia. Prefers dense waterside vegetation such as reedbeds, papyrus fringes, rank grasses, and sedge-choked ditches. It also uses damp thickets, overgrown stream margins, and lush secondary growth. The species is patchy in very arid zones but common where permanent or seasonal water supports tall cover.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Natal yellow warbler or dark-capped yellow warbler, it is a widespread reed and rank-grass specialist across eastern and southern Africa. It is often heard before seen, delivering a rich, sweet warble from deep cover. Formerly placed among the 'Old World warblers,' it is now in the Acrocephalidae (reed warblers).
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Builds a deep cup nest of grasses and fibers low in reeds or tall sedges. Both parents tend the young, and family groups may remain together for a time after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A rich, melodious warble of rolling phrases, often delivered from concealed perches within reeds or rank grass. Calls include sharp chips and soft tsip notes, especially when alarmed.
Plumage
Upperparts olive-brown to olive-tinged with a slightly darker crown; underparts bright yellow from throat to undertail coverts. Plumage is plain with soft textures, lacking wing bars or strong streaking.
Diet
Primarily small insects such as beetles, flies, caterpillars, and other larvae, along with spiders. It gleans methodically from stems and leaves and may sally short distances to snatch flying prey. Occasional small arthropods are taken from the water’s edge.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense reedbeds, sedge stands, and tangles of grasses along streams, marshes, and dams. Foraging is usually low to mid-level in cover, rarely venturing into open areas.
